The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2027 is a four-week human rights training programme for Indigenous representatives. Hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the programme takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. It helps participants understand the United Nations system and the human rights mechanisms relevant to Indigenous Peoples.
Selected fellows receive return travel to Geneva, support for living expenses, and basic health insurance during the training. The programme brings its language components together with simultaneous interpretation.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2027
Category: Human Rights Training Fellowship
Host: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Country: Switzerland
Location: Geneva
Format: In-person training
Duration: Four weeks
Languages: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese
Eligible Applicants: Indigenous representatives supported by their communities or organizations
Included Support: Return travel, living expenses, and basic health insurance
About the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2027
OHCHR established the Indigenous Fellowship Programme in 1997 during the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.
The programme gives Indigenous participants an opportunity to learn about the United Nations system. It focuses on international human rights instruments and mechanisms, including those addressing the rights and concerns of Indigenous Peoples.
The training also helps fellows develop the knowledge required to advocate more effectively. After completing the programme, participants should be better prepared to support their organizations and communities.
The fellowship normally connects participants with the work of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This allows fellows to gain practical insight into how Indigenous issues are addressed within the United Nations human rights system.
Programme Purpose and Training
The programme is designed to strengthen the ability of Indigenous representatives to use international human rights mechanisms.
During the training, participants can expand their understanding of:
✓ The structure and work of the United Nations
✓ International human rights instruments
✓ United Nations human rights mechanisms
✓ Mechanisms addressing the rights of Indigenous Peoples
✓ International advocacy and community representation
✓ Ways to raise community concerns at the international level
✓ Methods for sharing acquired knowledge with Indigenous communities
Fellows from the different language components participate in the training together. Simultaneous interpretation supports communication across the English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese components.
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What Selected Fellows Receive
OHCHR provides selected participants with support for the duration of the fellowship.
The programme includes:
✓ A return flight between the fellow’s country of residence and Geneva
✓ Living-expense support during the training period
✓ Basic health insurance for the duration of the programme
✓ Access to the programme’s human rights training activities
✓ Simultaneous interpretation between the available language components
✓ Opportunities to engage with other Indigenous representatives
This support enables selected fellows to participate in the Geneva-based training and concentrate on its learning and advocacy activities.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is specifically intended for Indigenous applicants.
Candidates should meet the following requirements:
• The applicant must be Indigenous. Non-Indigenous candidates are not considered, even when they work closely with Indigenous communities or organizations.
• The applicant should be proposed and supported by an Indigenous organization or community.
• The supporting organization or community should be representative and have a genuine Indigenous constituency or membership.
• The applicant must have a good working knowledge of the language selected for the programme.
• The applicant should agree to share the knowledge acquired through the fellowship with other Indigenous people after returning home.
• Age is not intended to prevent an otherwise suitable candidate from participating.
• A lack of formal education is not automatically a barrier. OHCHR recognizes that many Indigenous Peoples experience socioeconomic obstacles that restrict access to formal education.
Indigenous women, LGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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Community Nomination Requirement
Applicants cannot rely only on their individual interest in the programme. Their candidacy must be supported by an Indigenous organization or community.
The supporting organization or community should provide an official recommendation letter. This document should confirm the applicant’s relationship with the community and support their participation in the fellowship.
The recommendation requirement helps OHCHR identify applicants who can transfer the programme’s knowledge to their communities after completing the training.
Selection Process
The selection process considers representation across different regions, genders, and Indigenous communities.
Previous Indigenous fellows may participate in the initial assessment of applications. A group of candidates is then preselected for each language component.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview. The final selection is reviewed by an advisory group composed of OHCHR staff.
The selection process may consider:
• The quality and completeness of the application
• The applicant’s Indigenous identity and community involvement
• Support from the nominating organization or community
• The applicant’s ability to participate in the selected programme language
• Gender and regional balance
• Balance among the Indigenous communities represented
• The human rights situation in the applicant’s region or country
• The applicant’s potential to share the training with their community
Due to the number of applications received, OHCHR may contact only applicants who progress through the selection process.
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Required Application Materials
Candidates should prepare a complete application before submitting it.
The application process requires:
• A completed fellowship application form
• Completion of all required sections of the form
• An official recommendation letter from the nominating Indigenous organization or community
• Accurate personal, community, and professional information
• Information demonstrating the applicant’s connection with Indigenous rights or community work
• Submission through the application method stated on the official call page
Applicants should upload the official recommendation letter with the online application when this option is provided.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Submit an Application
Applicants should carefully review the official 2027 call and select the appropriate language component.
To apply:
• Open the official OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2027 page.
• Review the eligibility and application instructions.
• Select the relevant language component.
• Complete every required section of the application form.
• Obtain an official recommendation letter from an Indigenous organization or community.
• Upload the recommendation letter and any other required documents.
• Review the information entered in the form.
• Submit the complete application through the official system.
Candidates should ensure that their application clearly explains their community involvement and how they plan to share the knowledge gained through the programme.
Apply Here
Read the official announcement carefully and follow the stated application instructions.
➤ Read the Official OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2027 Announcement
